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SAVE THE DATE: 2026 TBA

Concert Theme: TBA

What is Paddle to the Symphony?

For over 35 years, Kensington Metropark in Milford, MI has been the home to Paddle to the Symphony. Once again, the event returns to the park and to Kent Lake on Saturday, July 12, 2025 for an evening of magical music and serene paddling. The Michigan Philharmonic performs a free concert at 7:30 p.m. on Maple Beach. Paddle to the Symphony goers will meet on the other side of the lake on the shoreline of North Martindale Beach – hence the term “paddle to the symphony.”

Getting There and Meeting Up

Do NOT follow the park signs to the concert, as we are positioned across the lake. Instead, follow the Kensington park signs to “Martindale Beach,” park at the North end of the lot (to the right looking at the water) and walk toward Shelter C and then to the shoreline. Anyone going on the water should arrive by 7:00 p.m.

Meet at Kensington Metro Park in Milford, Michigan at the shoreline near the North Martindale Picnic Shelter. We’ll be located at the white pop-up tent for participants to check in.

Water, soft drinks, and snacks are included for everyone with any option you select. All canoes and kayaks MUST have at least one adult per watercraft. If you bring your own canoe or kayak (personal boat), our staff will assist transport of the boat from the parking lot to the shoreline. Vehicles are NOT allowed to drive to the shoreline.

While the concert is free, our paddle event has a fee and attendees must sign-up to participate in the paddle.

Online registration available until July 12.

2025 Paddle Options:

Rates (All Pricing is Per Boat)

$40	Single Kayaks: Seats 1 Adult
$70	Tandem Kayaks: Seats 2 Adults or 1 Adult & 1 Child
$65	Canoes: Seats 2 Adults & 1 Child or 1 Adult & 2 Children
$20	Personal Boat (Bring your own Kayak or Canoe)

$5 discount per boat for HI or SOLAR members

Membership in HI (Hostelling International) and SOLAR (School of Outdoor Leadership and Recreation) will be confirmed. Contact Organization for Promo Code.

Please Note: With any option you choose, you will still be responsible for the park vehicle entrance fee of $10.00 ($15.00 after 5:00 p.m.) so carpool if you can. Participants MUST arrive by 7:00 p.m.

Timeline of Evening:

6:00 p.m. Arrival Time and Welcome
6:15 p.m. Kayaks/Canoes Begin to Launch
7:30 p.m. Last Boats Launch and Concert Begins
8:30 p.m. Concert Ends/Start to Paddle Back
9:30 p.m. All Boats Should be Back to Launch Area
10:00 p.m. Park is CLOSED

What to bring:

Sunscreen and/or Hat
Change of clothes (just in case you get wet)
Jacket (evening may cool down)
Lawn chairs or blanket (if you plan to go to shore to hear the music)

DO NOT TAKE BOATS INTO SWIMMING AREAS

GPS Google Map to Shoreline Check-in Point

Map to Kensington Metropark

This event is being organized by the legacy council for the Michigan Council of Hostelling International. The Paddle to the Symphony event was founded as an HI Michigan activity and is now supported by members of many groups and clubs of Southeast Michigan, including SOLAR Outdoors. Anyone and everyone is welcome.

The event is Rain or Shine. The DNR has the final say regarding watercraft going on the water. If weather conditions restrict canoeing, then we will shuttle attendees to the concert and back. Heavner Canoe will offer vouchers to return to canoe if this happens. Please note that this has only happened only once in 35 years of hosting the event. Sorry, no refunds.